The Derivational Functions of the Nasal Prefixes in Old Chinese

Abstract

This paper explores the derivational functions of nasal prefixes in Old Chinese. Previous studies have shown that certain verbs in Middle Chinese alternate between voiceless and voiced initials, suggesting that these prefixes had a phonological influence. The paper compares three models proposed by Baxter & Sagart, Mei Tsu Lin, and Gong Hwang Cherng, each offering different hypotheses regarding the derivational mechanisms behind this phonological alternation. By using comparative evidence from Tibeto-Burmese and Hmong- Mien languages, this paper evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of these models. The results indicate that the *N- prefix derives intransitive verbs and triggers voicing of the initials, while the *s- prefix is responsible for causative functions but lacks the ability to induce devoicing. This conclusion is further validated through phonological and morphophonological analysis. Moreover, this paper proposes a new hypothesis based on the Baxter & Sagart model, suggesting that the *N- prefix should be subdivided into two distinct nasal prefixes: *n- as an intransitive prefix and *ŋ- as a passive prefix. This division provides a more comprehensive explanation of phonological phenomena in Old Chinese and aligns with comparative evidence from Sino-Tibetan and related languages.